It's time for the government to step in to fight obesity. (Shutterstock)

(Newser)
–
The obesity news just keeps getting worse, the latest example being the study warning that 4 in 10 American adults could be obese in less than 20 years. "Americans eat too damn much," writes David Lazarus in the Los Angeles Times. And though it may be distasteful to get government involved in our dinners, it's become necessary: It's clear that "millions of Americans can't be trusted to look after their own well-being," while everybody else gets stuck with their health bills.

"It's time that food and drink received the same level of regulatory oversight as tobacco and alcohol," writes Lazarus. Let's cut down on kids' junk-food marketing; if you hate Joe Camel, you should hate Toucan Sam. Let's place a "cigarette-style tax" on sugary cereal and sodas; proceeds could benefit anti-obesity programs. We could also "raise insurance rates for the overweight," as with smokers. Trouble is, "Americans don't like being told what to do, even when their behavior is killing them." Click through for the full piece.

I don't really think anyone is trying to "regulate" what we eat... but there are some hard facts that need examination. Certain foods, soybeans and corn primarily, are heavily subsidized by taxpayers. Did you all know that? And the byproducts of these super cheap [thanks to government subsidy] foods are also the most highly processed ingredients in our unhealthy diets. And, to make matters worse, they're heavily marketed to children via advertising and promotions. Regular fruit and vegetable farming is NOT subsidized. Only factory corporate farms get tax payer money. OUR money goes directly into the pockets of corporations like Cargill, etc., and they in turn, work hard to find ways to sell that corn in all it's guises, back to us, encouraging over eating. So.. I suggest a two pronged approach that yes, requires government action. One, end the subsidies on corn and soy that encourage excessive food production and two, ban junk food marketing aimed at children. Adults can eat what they want. Kids can eat what the parents provide, hopefully without being nagged by their kids to buy heavily advertised junk food.

Blah_Blah_Blah_Blah

May 16, 2012 9:26 PM CDT

FAT TAX FAT TAX FAT TAX!!! It's time obese pay a sin tax just like cigarette and alcohol drinkers!! Heart Disease and Obesity is the NUMBER ONE killer in America, lung disease comes second!

slammer

May 16, 2012 3:36 PM CDT

HEY MR. DAVID LAZARUS DID YOU EVER HEAR OF DARWIN? WELL I AGREE ON TOBACCO, I DO NOT AGREE WITH YOU ON FOOD. I WILL DIE FAT AND HAPPY NOT SKINNY AND SAD!